A member of the trade union UNITE who is suffering from asbestosrelated cancer has received substantialcompensationfollowing help from his union’s legal service.

Reginald Lamming, 77, from Enfield, Middlesex was diagnosed with the fatal cancermesotheliomacaused by exposure to asbestos working as a labourer and joiners’ mate for Eastern Electricity at the New Southgate depot from 1952 until 1954 and then again from 1956 until he retired in 1993.

He said: “Throughout my time with the Eastern Electricity Board I was never warned about the dangers of asbestos. I was never given, or told that I had to wear, anyprotection.”

Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation

Mr Lamming, who has a wife, three children and six grandchildren has undergone radiotherapy treatment.

Following his diagnosis in June 2009 he contacted his union, UNITE, which instructed asbestos claims experts Thompsons Solicitors to advise him about compensation.

The claim was settled within six months.

It was very important to the client to claim compensation during his lifetime

Mr Lamming’s son, Paul said: “The whole family has been devastated by my dad’s diagnosis and found it difficult to come to terms with. It was very important to my dad to claim compensation during his lifetime.

“He was aware at the time he was using asbestos but we had no idea how tragic the consequences would be.

Steve Hart from UNITE added: “We are pleased to support this member and his family at a time when they need it most. Mesothelioma is a horrific disease which affects many of our members who have worked with asbestos. The decisive action taken by our expert solicitors means he will have peace of mind in the knowledge that his family will be provided for in the future.”

Andrew Venn from Thompsons Solicitors said: “It was our aim to finalise the compensation claim for Mr Lamming during his lifetime which is what he wanted. While it will not restore his health we understand the importance to him of knowing that his wife is financially secure and that the formalities of the claim have been resolved efficiently and professionally. The backing of his union was instrumental in bringing about the successful conclusion of the claim quickly.”

Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.

The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.

There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.